Wild Light Cafe Sustainability Policy

Our Commitment

At Wild Light Café, we believe great food should nourish both people and the environment.

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint, supporting local producers, minimising waste, and creating a café experience that reflects the natural beauty and community values of Port Stephens.

Sustainability is embedded throughout our operations—from the ingredients we source to the packaging we use and the choices we encourage our customers to make.

Green is Our Gold

Wild Light Café proudly supports Tourism Australia's Green is Our Gold Promise, recognising that tourism and hospitality businesses have a shared responsibility to care for the natural environments, communities, cultures, wildlife, and people that make Australia such a special destination.

We promote the Green and Gold Principles by encouraging responsible consumption, supporting local communities, reducing waste, and helping our customers make more sustainable choices.

Supporting Local Producers

Supporting our local community is central to who we are.

We are committed to:

  • Sourcing our products and ingredients locally wherever possible.

  • Supporting local farmers, growers, producers, and suppliers.

  • Reducing food miles by prioritising regional products.

  • Celebrating seasonal, locally produced food and beverages whenever practical.

Reducing Our Environmental Footprint

We actively seek opportunities to minimise waste and reduce our environmental impact by:

  • Transitioning to 100% plastic-free takeaway packaging by 1 November 2026.

  • Reducing single-use items wherever practical.

  • Reviewing our purchasing and operational practices to identify more sustainable alternatives.

  • Encouraging responsible waste disposal and recycling.

Reducing Food and Organic Waste

We recognise that cafés can play an important role in reducing organic waste.

We are committed to:

  • Introducing a coffee grounds recovery program by 1 November 2026, making spent coffee grounds available for composting or beneficial reuse where practical.

  • Monitoring food preparation to minimise avoidable food waste.

  • Identifying opportunities to divert organic waste from landfill as suitable local programs become available.

Educating and Inspiring Responsible Customers

Small actions can make a meaningful difference.

We will:

  • Encourage customers to dispose of waste responsibly and use available recycling facilities.

  • Highlight our commitment to local sourcing and environmentally responsible practices through in-store and online messaging.

  • Promote simple ways customers can support sustainable tourism and hospitality during their visit to Port Stephens.

Supporting Our Community

As a locally owned café, we are committed to:

  • Supporting local businesses and suppliers.

  • Creating a welcoming, inclusive space for residents and visitors alike.

  • Building partnerships with community organisations and local initiatives where practical.

  • Contributing to the long-term sustainability and vibrancy of the Port Stephens community.

Our People

All staff share responsibility for supporting this policy and are expected to:

  • Follow environmentally responsible work practices.

  • Reduce waste and conserve resources wherever possible.

  • Promote and reinforce the Green is Our Gold principles through customer interactions and daily operations.

  • Support our commitment to local sourcing and responsible consumption.

  • Identify opportunities to improve sustainability outcomes.

  • Report environmental concerns or opportunities for improvement.

Continuous Improvement

Sustainability is an ongoing commitment.

Wild Light Café will regularly review its operations, sourcing practices, waste management, and environmental initiatives to identify opportunities for continual improvement and ensure we continue to operate responsibly while supporting our local community and environment.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and aligned with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Last Reviewed: June 2026